Masks for Every Skin Type
Back in the day, face masks were all about pampering the skin, but with leaps in science and technology, face masks now can play an active role in helping you nurture and treat your skin concerns.
If your skin is parched and dehydrated, you want a mask that’s like a big glass of water for your skin, so look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides. Elf Holy Hydration face mask (£10) fits the bill perfectly as does Laniege Water Sleeping Mask(£26) with added squalene.
If you’re prone to oiliness or visible pores, a mask such as The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (£11.80) that draws impurities from the skin is an excellent choice as it will also constrict your pores making them appear smaller. For breakouts which end up causing dark marks and hyperpigmentation, a cleanser cum mask like Kate Somerville EradiKate™ 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser (£38) will set you on the right track.
If you want to radiance and glow like a freshly minted penny then a mask with Vitamin C is an excellent choice, especially with Black skin that can look dull and tired easily. Try Paula’s Choice Radiance Renewal Mask (£35) which contains arbutin and niacinamide. If your skin feels textured and rough like sand paper, then an exfoliating mask with glycolic or lactic acid will polish and smooth your skin.
Used consistently, masks may just be the va-va-voom your skin needs to keep it in excellent conditions.
For more inspiration, the Black Skin Directory team has shared their favourite masks.
Kelle - Contributing Writer
Skin type: Oily/combination
The face mask I'm using is the Tata Harper Clarifying Mask because I tend to break out a lot more when the weather gets colder and it does such a great job at minimising my pores and leaving my skin looking clear, firm and radiant.
Pim - Graphic Designer
Skin Type: Oily
The Seated Queen Cold Cream is my current go-to for an easy yet calming overnight mask, I layer it over face oil to lock everything in. A little goes a long way and I've noticed such a huge difference to my skin when I wake up in the morning. It has a soothing spa-like scent, has helped with dry patches and redness, and best of all, doesn't leave my skin a greasy mess when I wake up!
Dija - BSD Founder
Skin Type: Oily/Combination
Beauty Pie Super Pore Detox Mask (£13) has been my go-to for over two years. It’s got everything going for it - glycolic, lactic, salicylic, Kaolin Clay, Bamboo, Liquorice for brightening and Eucalyptus. Pores are unclogged and tightened, oil is mopped up and skin texture is smoothed.
SJ - Social Media Manager
Skin Type: Dehydrated and acne-prone
I love May Lindstrom Problem Solver, it takes about 45 minutes to settle on your skin fully, and then I like to steam it off slowly in the shower. This mask purifies, repairs, and stimulates the skin, meaning I will look like a new woman after an hour :-).
Etta - Contributing Writer
Skin Type: Dry/sensitive
My usual go-to face mask is The Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. Rosehip Oil and Aloe Vera both hydrate and soothe sensitive skin - especially important when you're stuck inside with central heating for days on end!
Nateisha - Contributing Writer
Skin Type: Oily and blemish prone.
Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask (£72) It’s packed with white clay and Hungarian Moor mud to draw out any impurities and congestion without (most importantly) drying out my skin. My skin relaxes under this mask and feels softer, smoother and clearer once removed. It’s a must once a week.